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December 24, 2014

Happy Apple Company Announces Voluntary Recall of Caramel Apples Due to Possible Contamination with Listeria Monocytogenes

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services received information regarding a voluntary recall for Happy Apple Brand caramel apples with a best use by date between Aug. 25 and Nov. 23, 2014, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

Happy Apple caramel apples are sold in single pack, three packs, four packs and eight packs and each package will have a best use by date on the front of the label. They were available for retail sale through grocery, discount and club stores, generally in the produce section and were distributed to retailers in the following states: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin.

As has been reported in the news, the Center for Disease Control has noted 29 illnesses in 10 states linked to the outbreak and they have advised consumers not to eat commercially produced, pre-packaged caramel apples until more is known.

Happy Apple ceased operations at the end of October as part of their normal, seasonal shut down and the caramel apples produced are no longer available in stores, however, out of an abundance of caution and concern for consumer safety, Happy Apple is recommending that consumers follow the advice of the CDC and remove any caramel apples you may have in storage and dispose of them in a secure container to avoid potential contamination in animals.

Consumers who have any product may return it to the store where purchased or dispose of it per the advice of the CDC. Consumers with questions may contact Happy Apple at 800-527-7532 Monday through Friday during normal business hours or via email@customercare@happyapples.com.